Joan Wright Mularz Brings Mystery And Cultural Depth To Young Adult Literature
Photo: Joan Wright Mularz, award-winning author of young adult mysteries, shares the stories, inspirations, and adventures behind her celebrated novels.
A World Traveler Inspiring Young Minds
Award-winning author Joan Wright Mularz shares her journey from inspired beginnings to acclaimed novels, blending travel, history, and personal experiences to craft compelling young adult mysteries with global and heartfelt dimensions.
It is with immense pride and excitement that we present our exclusive interview with award-winning author Joan Wright Mularz in this month’s Mosaic Digest. Joan is not only a master of storytelling but also a creator of compelling worlds that transport readers to places both exotic and familiar. Her two Young Adult Mystery Series, Slate, A Band of Friends Mysteries, and E.T. Madigan Mysteries, are testaments to her ability to weave narratives filled with adventure, intrigue, and cultural depth.
With an approach to storytelling that bridges generations and places, Joan crafts tales that resonate deeply, drawing inspiration from her rich life experiences—from growing up on an island in New York Harbor to traveling across five continents, and summoning the ancient Sybil of Cuma to nurture her creative spark. Her ability to meld history, culture, and personal connection into her work is a hallmark of her writing, whether it’s through her intricate mystery plots or the poignant relationships she portrays.
Joan’s achievements are further enriched by her dedication to the writing community through her involvement in professional organizations like Sisters in Crime, SCBWI, and Independent Publishers of New England. Her work has also received critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including the prestigious Royal Palm Literary Award for her novel Slate. The acclaim is well-deserved, as readers and critics alike marvel at her whip-smart sleuths, breathtaking settings, and keen insights into human connection.
Joan Wright Mularz’s books are captivating journeys of intrigue and heart, blending cultural richness, vibrant characters, and masterful storytelling.
Through her books, whether it’s the slate-filled shores of mystery or the enchanting journeys of E.T. Madigan, Joan Wright Mularz inspires readers to embrace curiosity, seek adventure, and uncover the threads that tie us all together across cultures and generations. We are thrilled to share her insights and remarkable journey as an author, and we know her words will delight, inspire, and ignite imaginations just as her books have done for readers worldwide.
What inspired you to begin your career writing young-adult mysteries?
I credit the mystique of the ancient Sybil of Cuma. When I entered the trapezoidal cave in southern Italy where she gave her enigmatic prophesies and offered guidance to visitors like Aeneas, my reaction was, What a dramatic setting for a mystery novel! As a teacher and mom, I wanted to share this magical aspect of ancient history with kids. However, that thought percolated for a few years without me acting on it, because up until then, I had never considered writing a novel. I had written curriculums (including one recognized by the Global Junior Challenge), educational grants, and won a couple of essay contests, but the only books I made were unpublished picture books I used for teaching preschoolers to read and teens to understand child development. Sybil’s spirit kept nudging me, however, and when I had free moments, I began to form a story.
“Sybil’s spirit kept nudging me, and when I had free moments, I began to form a story.” – Joan Wright Mularz
How did your upbringing on an island in New York Harbour shape your creative voice?
The island had two advantages. First, it provided a quiet neighborhood where I grew up with a large multi-generational extended family, which influenced the way I write about relationships. For example, I grew up close to three grandparents and felt very loved, and all of my stories have older persons who are important to the young characters. The second benefit was that the island was a ferryboat ride away from the cultural wealth of Manhattan. It fueled my desire to see other places I had only read about. The global experiences of the protagonists in both of my series are, perhaps, a reflection of my childhood dreams.
“Travel has taught me that people around the world are more alike than different.” – Joan Wright Mularz
You’ve lived in three countries and travelled across five continents. In what ways have these varied environments and cultures informed your storytelling, particularly in the E.T. Madigan Mystery series?
Travel has taught me that people around the world are more alike than different, and if we make an effort to communicate and understand each other, we may find new friends. I try to convey that by showing how cultural differences can add interesting and rich nuances to my characters’ adventures. Ellen Madigan, for example, works hard to overcome language barriers in the countries her father’s archaeological work takes her to, and she earns respect for it. My travel experiences provide the stories for a monthly blog I write called “Journeys.”
“Spending time in a location allows me to gain an intimacy that visitors miss out on.” – Joan Wright Mularz
Your book Down West — the Other Maine was inspired by your family-built home in the Rangeley Lakes region. How does this personal connection to place affect how you approach setting and atmosphere?
All of my books have been inspired by places I have lived. Spending time in a location allows me to gain an intimacy that visitors miss out on, and to give an extra layer of local detail to scenes. Rangeley was also the setting of my novel, Maine Roots Run Deep. When it became apparent to me that the Abenaki Native Americans, who once populated the area, had disappeared except for local place names, a quest to find out why inspired the back story. Similarly, six years living in Munich, Germany, led to learning about the university students who opposed Hitler and paid with their lives. That inspired the back story of White Flutters in Munich.
As a member of multiple writing organisations—Sisters in Crime, SCBWI, Independent Publishers of New England, and more—how has being part of these communities influenced your development as an author?
When I began my first novel, it was a lone endeavor while I was living in Germany, and I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know. It wasn’t until I was back home and saw a flyer at my town’s General Store that I joined my first writing group, and the learning curve began. It focused on perfecting craft through writing exercises and also informed me of the opportunities professional organizations provide. I joined SCBWI and benefited from workshops and critiques from editors and agents. A small group near home that focused on critiquing manuscripts accepted me, and they helped me get my second book to publication. Through them, I was introduced to a larger group that included writers, publishers, editors, publicists, and more, and one multi-published member suggested I join Sisters in Crime. Over the years, I have attended many writing workshops, both in-person and online, participated in panels at conferences, and connected with supportive groups of fellow authors. The writing community keeps me learning and growing.
Your book Slate received several accolades in 2023, including the Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Young Adult/New Adult novel. How did winning those honours impact your confidence, writing process, or plans for future projects?
For me, the rewards of writing SLATE started with the personal satisfaction of completing a project I enjoyed and was proud of. Positive comments from critique partners. beta readers, and my editor encouraged me. When Kirkus Reviews praised it as “An appealing young hero leads an indelible cast in this entertaining Thriller,” I was pleased, but the unexpected validation from the awards elated me and gave some gravitas to my writing. I moved forward with the sequel, Slate and Dash Go South, which came out this year. Kirkus described it as, “Whip-smart adolescent sleuths headline a delightful whodunit.” The third book in the series, Slate’s Summer Abroad, is with my editor.
